Revamped Subi ready to open doors - The West Australian

Looking over the multimillion-dollar renovation to the building they have owned for almost half a century, Judy and Michael Monaghan have the same reaction.

"It's pride," the couple said, sitting in one of the new bars of the revitalised Subiaco Hotel.

"There's a little bit of apprehension and nervousness about how the public will react," Mr Monaghan added.

"But yes, mostly pride."

After 18 months of renovations, the Subiaco Hotel will open its doors to the public on Friday.

The venue, which the couple proudly attest has been the backdrop of many stories for many West Australians, has added an outdoor rooftop terrace, a mezzanine level, upstairs function room and an expanded lower level for its well-known restaurant and bar.

When the couple took The Weekend West on a tour of the new venue, about 40 workmen were putting the finishing touches on the renovation, which started in February last year.

Although the couple, who have owned the pub since 1971, declined to declare the true cost of the restoration, they admitted it was "several millions".

Mr Monaghan said his friends and family thought he was "off his brain" to invest such a huge sum in the hotel.

But he said the historic venue deserved the investment, and he saw it as part of the couple's legacy to their children.

"It was blatantly obvious the building was getting shabbier and shabbier," he said. "But looking around now, I don't think there's a better suburban hotel."